Our Impact

After school programs work – there’s no doubt about that. Programs provided by arc are no different. The impact we are making is evident when talking to the communities we serve. Here’s the data to prove it.

Data Collection

At arc, we know that our work stretches beyond the after school hours — forging strong links with classrooms and families is crucial to our students’ success. That’s why we work to keep an ongoing conversation between arc and all the students and stakeholders we serve.

In 2016-17, we gathered over 14,000 survey responses. We make it a priority to gather feedback from all the members of our after school community — students, staff, administrators, and families. As our community evolves, we want to understand our students’ changing needs, tailoring our program to best support them. Their input is valuable as we work together in partnership to bridge the opportunity gap for all students. As we always say: Your Voice, Your Program!

IMPACT

QUALITY

arc students are 10-15% more likely to reach attendance benchmarks compared to non-attenders of the program.

Over 90% of parents agree that arc provides high quality programming.

4 out of 5 school staff agree that arc staff are prepared and professional.

3 out of 4 parents say their child attends school more often after joining arc.

ACADEMIC
ACHIEVEMENT

Students who attended arc programs earned 91% of credits attempted, compared to non-attenders who only earned 83% of credits attempted.

Students who attended arc programs passed the ELA portion of the CAASPP at a 13% higher rate than non-attenders.

Students who attended arc programs passed the Math portion of the CAASPP at a 10% higher rate tha non-attenders.

arc EL students Reclassified as Fluent English Proficient at up to 15% higher rates than EL students who do not attend.

SOCIO-EMOTIONAL
LEARNING

In a case study at Kennedy High School, students were 8% more self-motivated to succeed in academics compared to non-attenders.

In a case study at Fulton College Preparatory, students were 17% more connected to their campus compared to non-attenders.

MEDIA RECOGNITION

In the September 2017 issue of L.A. Parent magazine talked to Adventure Programs Director Brenna Johnston-Kosher about our Great Outdoors Adventure & Leadership Series. GOALS was highlighted as one of a handful of programs growing tomorrow’s leaders.

In May 2017, arc President and CEO Brad Lupien appeared on NPR/KPCC to advocate for more after school program funding. He was highlighted as a leader in the after school field, giving insight into why Sacramento’s support of after school programs is essential.

arc was recognized as the contracted provider for Riverside’s Alvord Unified School District in The Press-Enterprise in May 2017. The article raised awareness of the consequences of cutting funding for after school programs.

In a May 2017 article in La Opinion, arc was highlighted as an agency that provides necessary after school programs to low-income populations. The article covered the need to meet the increase in spending: the cost of living and minimum wage has increased, but funding for programs has remained flat for over 8 years.

In March 2015, the Teen Adventure Challenge, our signature event, was featured on KTLA 5 Health Smart. The segment highlighted our work in bringing our students out of the classroom and into the outdoors to practice critical leadership and teamwork skills.

San Diego Channel 6 News ran a piece in response to arc being recognized for a CAN Innovation Award in Fall 2010.

AWARDS

In May 2014, arc was a recipient of the Challenge Youth Advocate Award from the California School-Age Consortium (CalSAC). The award is given to organizations and their youth advocates for utilizing the CalSAC Challenge to ensure that youth voice for expanding learning is heard in Sacramento.

The arc model for 21st CCLC older youth programming was selected for inclusion in a U.S. Department of Education 2010 best practices resource book.

arc was recognized for a California Afterschool Network (CAN) High School Innovation Award in Fall 2010 for our partnership with Beyond the Bell, Educare Foundation, and !MPACT People in implementing the Take Action Leadership Campaign.

LAUSD’s Beyond the Bell nominated arc for the Federal Doing What Works in Out-of-School-Time website.

In Spring 2009, the League of California After School Partners highlighted arc‘s partnership with Beyond the Bell as a best practices team.

Testimonials

After School

Without arc, there wouldn’t be the sense of community there is today at my school. As cliche as it may sound… Life really does begin when you step outside of your comfort zone. For me, life began at arc.

-Animo Venice Charter High School Student

arc has provided after-school programming for our students over the past four years. During that time we have found the staff to be responsive and caring toward our students and families. The activities and supervision offered have met all of our needs and been beyond our expectations. The after-school program is structured, organized and designed to allow our students time for homework and a variety of exploration through “club” experiences.

-Janis B., Chief Educational Advocate

arc provided me with all the resources and opportunities, such as visiting colleges and career fairs, that I needed in order to find my passion and drive. They helped me develop my leadership skills and become the leader that I am today.

-John F. Kennedy High School Student

The arc after school program has been very beneficial to me, as well as other students because they prepare and educate us for the future. The arc staff is always there to help and guide me. I believe arc is more than just an after school program; it is a second home for students.

-John C. Fremont High School Alum

Team Building

Involvement with arc has helped out students reach our goals by providing them with motivational activities that promote cooperation and teamwork and build self-confidence.

Our students have participated in a range of programs through arc that include after school athletic and dance programs, school wide team building activities, and the Teen Adventure Challenge. The school community has been continually impressed with both the high quality programs and professionalism from the arc staff. We believe that our involvement with arc programs has promoted academic achievement for participating students, and fostered interested that will benefit them at higher educational levels.

As a Middle School Principal, I give arc my whole-hearted support, and feel extremely fortunate to have formulated this partnership that enhances the educational experiences of our students.

-Donna J., Principal

Camp

My husband and I wanted to let you know much my child has enjoyed the summer arc program. He has been excited and happy each day and has enjoyed the exposure to new sports. It has also opened the doors for him socially with the other boys. It has also offered more opportunities for compassion as he has become aware of some of the challenges faced by others (his cousin also has Aspergers). We have also been impressed by the organization and quality of the program specifics and counselors. We would love to see this program continue next summer. Let us know how else we can sing the praises of arc.

-Megan and Peter B.

Adventure Trips

Living in Los Angeles has accustomed our lives to a very urban setting, but arc has allowed us to learn about a world outside the city, one where we get to use our hands and explore the wonders of the planet.

-Animo Venice Charter High School Student

I heard nothing but positive comments from the participants and the word of mouth has already started filtering to other members of our community. This is an experience the participants will never forget and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to be a part of it.

-Priscilla Z., Rec Supervisor

Trees, mountains, and campgrounds were our classroom. Just that change alone made me more alert and motivated to learn. For once I was excited to go to “class” and get educated.

-Maywood Academy High School Student

Staff Development

Our staff loved the team-building experience you provided for our staff development day. No one felt threatened, inadequate, or unable to participate, and all enjoyed the experience. I think what really won them over was your ability to bring the experiences back to the classroom. The discussions helped the teachers to reflect not only on their performance on the yard, but how they respond to the needs of their students in the classroom. Everyone, myself included, was impressed with your knowledge of sound teaching and instruction, your warmth and humor, and your approach with adults. I can’t thank you enough for bringing this positive experience to our staff. Thanks again.

-Jackie S., Assistant Principal

Enrichment

Being a part of the arc family means never having to wonder if you’re seen, heard, or valued by the wonderful staff at arc. I cannot begin to count the many wonderful stories that I’ve heard about the coaches in arc or her teachers in enrichment classes. Nor can I begin to tell you of opportunities that [my daughter] has had to grow and develop her own voice through being a part of arc.

-Enrichment Parent

It’s really convenient having all these great options here on the school grounds. No need to take the kids to piano class, and then soccer class, and then dance. All of it is all in one place!

-Enrichment Parent

Arts

Through arc and through allowing me to have the opportunity to MC events and for me to be in front of an audience, it really boosted my confidence to the point to where now I’m just fearless. I can jump in and do anything I really want to.

-Student at Animo South LA Charter High School

The arc Arts Camp was amazing. At first I was a little overwhelmed at the number of students at the camp, so I didn’t socialize very much. By the final day at camp I had made so many friends that I didn’t want to leave. The camp taught me to not be afraid to step out of my comfort zone and I am very glad that I went.